MSc International Business and HRM

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Derby

Program Overview

The MSc International Business and HRM at the University of Derby gives you the perfect mix of global business insight and people management expertise. It’s designed for ambitious students who want to understand how businesses operate across borders while shaping HR strategies that make a real impact on organisations and their people.

Curriculum structure

Postgraduate Certificate:
You’ll start by building a strong foundation in both international business and HRM. Modules like International Economics for Business and Finance and Market Analysis teach you how the global economy works and how to make sense of market trends, while Strategic and Financial Performance Management helps you understand the financial side of decision‑making. On the HRM front, Leading, Managing and Developing People and HRM in an International Context explore leadership, motivation, and how to manage people in different cultural and organisational settings.

Postgraduate Diploma:
Next, you’ll dive deeper into international business strategy and advanced HRM. International Business Theory and Strategy shows how organisations grow and operate globally. International Resourcing and Talent Development and Advanced Diversity and Inclusion focus on building inclusive workplaces and managing talent effectively across borders, while Strategic Employment Relations teaches you to navigate complex workplace dynamics and labour relations.

MSc (Independent Study):
In your final stage, you’ll take on an independent research project and dissertation. This is your chance to explore a topic you’re passionate about — whether that’s global talent management, cross-cultural leadership, or employment relations in different countries — and develop the skills to analyse and solve real-world business challenges.

Focus areas: International business strategy, global economics, talent management, diversity and inclusion, employment relations, organisational performance, market analysis, cross-cultural leadership.

Learning outcomes: Graduates will be ready to understand and respond to global business challenges, design and implement HR strategies, manage talent across cultures, navigate employment law and diversity issues, conduct research, and lead teams effectively in international settings.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), giving you a recognised pathway into professional HR roles.

Reputation (employability / rankings): The University of Derby is known for strong employability support and real-world business connections. Graduates have gone on to work with leading global organisations like HSBC, Ernst & Young, and PwC, or even launched their own ventures.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Derby, the MSc International Business and HRM is all about learning by doing. You won’t just study theories — you’ll get real hands-on experience with the tools, projects, and environments that mirror the global workplace. From working with live business data to collaborating on cross-cultural team projects, this program is designed to help you build practical skills you can use from day one.

Here’s how you’ll get that experience:

Finance Lab & Trading Floor: Work with Bloomberg terminals and London Stock Exchange‑Group tools in the Cavendish Building, giving you a true feel for how businesses and financial markets operate worldwide.
Supply Chain / Logistics Lab & XR Suite: Experiment with immersive simulations for global business and HR challenges, helping you see how international operations and people management work in real life.
Creativity Lab & Collaborative Spaces: Tackle group projects, workshops, and consultancy-style assignments in spaces designed for teamwork and innovation.
Group Work and Real-World Case Studies: Learn through interactive lectures, debates, workshops, and projects that put theory into practice and sharpen your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Industry Engagement: Hear from guest speakers, work on consultancy-style projects, and connect with professionals to build experience that will boost your employability.
Library & Research Resources: Use the campus library’s extensive books, journals, and digital resources to support your research, dissertation, and group work.

Every aspect of this program is built to give you confidence and hands-on skills for a career in international business and HR.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the MSc International Business and HRM leave University of Derby ready to take on meaningful roles in global organisations, consultancies, or even their own ventures. Many go on to become International HR Managers, Global Talent Acquisition Specialists, International Business Analysts, or Cross-Cultural Employment Relations Consultants — putting their knowledge of international business and people management straight into practice. This programme equips you with the skills and confidence to thrive in diverse, real-world workplaces:

Here’s how the University supports your career journey:

Personalised career support: The Careers & Employment Service and Personal Tutor Scheme provide guidance while you study and continue to support you for up to three years after graduation.
Employer connections: You’ll have access to industry links and projects with companies like HSBC, Ernst & Young, and PwC, giving you insight and opportunities to build your professional network.
Accreditation advantage: Being accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) adds strong professional credibility to your CV, opening doors in HR worldwide.
Flexible career routes: Whether your goal is HR, international business operations, consulting, or launching your own enterprise, the skills you gain give you a solid foundation for success.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to take your studies further, this MSc is a perfect springboard for research degrees such as a PhD, or specialist postgraduate qualifications in HR, business strategy, or organisational development — letting you deepen your expertise while building on the practical and theoretical knowledge you’ve gained.